MASAKA – The Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga has revealed that Ghetto TV Journalist Ashraf Kasirye sustained blunt injuries above the left eye allegedly from a teargas canister.
He was injured as he covered Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, a presidential candidate as he was leaving Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral, Kitovu in Masaka City where he attended mass from.
According to Enanga, police in Greater Masaka had violent confrontations with the NUP candidate and his supporters at a check point in Kyabakuza after they defied the route plan agreed upon to Kyotera District.
“Tear gas was used to quell the violence and journalists were regrettably caught up during the process of dispersing the violent group. Notably among them was a Ghetto TV crew member identified as Ashraf Kasirye,” Enanga said in a statement.
He noted the victim was rushed to Masaka Referral Hospital for medical attention.
“He remains stable but in serious condition and on transfer to Kampala for better management,” he said.
Enanga revealed that the media crimes department has taken interest in the matter and opened a casefile to investigate the circumstances.
“We do appreciate the critical role journalists while covering the campaigns and pledge better protection cover so as to remain safe while documenting violent confrontations,” reads the statement in part.
He added that, “We call upon anyone with digital evidence regarding the disturbing incident to share it with our task team of investigators from CID headquarters.”
Additionally, NTV reporter Ali Mivuli is also nursing an injured leg after being hit by a teargas canister fired by Police.
NBS TV senior Reporter, Daniel Lutaaya who was riding on a Boda Boda that was shot at during the mayhem also admitted at Masaka regional referral hospital.
